LEAD-POISONING

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 159, 1 April 1930, Page 4

LEAD-POISONING

COMPENSATION AWARDED. A claim for compensation brought by Eric Stanford, enameller, of Petone, against Meters (N.Z.). Ltd., for alleged complete disablement following on lead poisoning during his employment, was heard in the Arbitration Court yesterday before His Honour Mr. Justice Frazer, Mr, L. J. Schmitt (employers’ representative), and Mr. A. L. Monteith (workers’ representative). Mr. W. E. Leicester appeared for plaintiff and Mr. H. F. O’Leary the defendant company. According to his statement of claim plaintiff contracted the lead poisoning on September 2G, 1928, and had since been incapacitated and prevented from following his employment. He became partially .paralysed on the right side, and the right foot had contracted inwards in such a manner that he was completely disabled. His average earnings were £5/19/1, and he has been paid £3/19/5 a week compensation to date. He claimed a lump sum as compensation, medical expenses and costs.- •

Dr. J. R. Boyd iii evidence said the lead poisoning had resulted in partial paralysis and contraction of muscles in the foot. .Plaintiff, was walking with the aid of a stick, and would Suffer pain if standing for any length of time. Except for the foot the effects of the lead poisoning had been overcome, but witness believed the foot had gone beyond the curative stage. The disability amounted to 371 per cent. Plaintiff could work so long as it did not involve too long standing on his feet. - Dr. Giesen, called by Mr. O’Leary, said plaintiff’s condition had improved since he last saw him. Regarding the foot operative treatment would not be of much use, and it was doubtful if it could be cured. Plaintiff said he could not stand on the foot for more than an hour at a time. His disability had made it hard for him to find employment. He had not been able to get work with the firm. He was awarded £2OO, with £l2/1.2/costs, medical expenses and witnesses.